A WEEKEND of entertainment is on the cards for Northwich when the carnival comes to town.

Northwich Carnival will start with a parade on Saturday, July 2, followed by an afternoon of fun at Verdin Park.

The event will continue at the park on Sunday, July 3, with a dog show and car boot sale.

The parade starts in Denton Drive at 1pm on Saturday, making its way to Verdin Park where this year’s carnival queen Holly Rowlinson, a 15-year-old Hartford High School pupil, will be crowned.

The 2011 crowning personality is Fred Hall, a former member of the carnival committee who has been secretary, chairman and president.

Barbara Turner, committee secretary, said: “I’m excited for the queen because she’s worked her way through the retinue and is a lovely girl – I hope she has a nice day.

“I’m excited for Fred too – honouring him for all the work he’s done.

“He was on the committee for many many years and has done various jobs in his time.

“He’s retired from the committee but he’s still there at the carnival every year helping out.”

The carnival will be officially opened at Verdin Park at 2pm on Saturday by town mayor Clr Alison Gerrard.

After Holly is crowned at 3pm, there will be a variety of family entertainment, including the Wirral Pipe Band, RUFC tag rugby team, dancers from Quicksteps, Elite and Sue Morgan School of Dance and a strongman competition.

Sunday’s car boot sale will be open to bargain hunters from 8am and there will be a novelty dog show with a variety of prizes to be won.

A fair will be open from Friday night to Sunday.

All the money raised will go to the carnival charities.

Those that benefitted from the 2010 carnival included Northwich Stroke Club, Vale Royal Talking Newspaper, Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and Deafness Awareness Network.

Barbara said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported our fundraising efforts over the past 12 months and also to thank all the businesses and firms who have supported these efforts by giving so generously in the form of sponsorship and prizes.”

Anyone who can help out at this carnival or future events should contact Barbara on 01606 76113.

THERE is still time for groups and businesses to take part in the Northwich Carnival parade.

Trophies and cash prizes are available for Best Decorated Trade Vehicle, Best Decorated Non-trade Vehicle, Best Walking Group and Best Individual Form of Transport, which can include bikes, prams, motorbikes and even disabled scooters.

Visiting queens from the area can also enter the categories of Best Decorated Queen’s Vehicle and Best Queen in the Arena.

For more information ring Sue Rowlinson on 01606 783866.